How do I use my hair dryer in Swaziland?

Swazi power outlet

Can I use my blow dryer in Swaziland?

First check that your hair dryer can work in Swaziland:

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair dryer and other applicances with a 230 volt Swazi power outlet, however this is considerably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel hair dryer. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit in the wall outlet used in Swaziland, therefore check that your voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for Swaziland otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your own existing hair dryer might not be suited for travelling and you risk damage in your luggage. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your hair dryer won't handle 230 volts used in Swaziland you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your hair dryer. Prior to using your hair dryer in Swaziland please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a hair dryer in Swaziland

Will my hair dryer work in Swaziland?

It depends on if your hair dryer can handle the 230 volts which are used in Swaziland:

Can I use my US hair dryer in Swaziland?

The instructions on this page assume that you're an America reader visiting Swaziland and will provide advice on using your US hair dryer with a Swazi power outlet.

Best travel hair dryers for Swaziland

What to look for when choosing a hair dryer

Bundled diffuser and concentrator attachments

What to look for when choosing a hair dryer

When choosing the best hair dryer for Swaziland look for a robust but light dual voltage dryer that will work with a 230 volt Swazi power outlet power outlet, includes a folding handle, ALCI safety plug and a long power cord. If drying thick hair look for a model which includes a diffuser that has a stronger 1600+ watt dryer.

9 tips for purchasing a hair dryer

  1. Depending on your hotel room in Swaziland there might be a fixed mirror installed too far away from the nearest outlet which makes it hard to style hair, so look for the unit with the lengthiest power cord possible or pack either a pocket mirror or an extension cable.
  2. If you have thicker hair then you might require a blow dryer with a stronger motor; a higher wattage ceramic dryer which includes a diffuser will dry hair faster to avoid damage.
  3. Instead of looking for more expensive 3rd party attachments it might be cheaper and more convenient purchasing a new hair dryer that is supplied with both a concentrator and a diffuser.
  4. The safest travel hair dryers include ALCI safety plugs which will minimise the danger of overloading leading to fires, models are identified with test and reset switches on the plug.
  5. Suitable hair dryers for styling should give control of both speed and temperature with high and low options - a faster hotter speed can dry thicker hair faster and a lower temperature with a slower speed will reduce damage to your hair.
  6. Buying the cheapest hair dryer could be risky; as well as safety issues there is a greater chance that the dryer could break during travelling abroad due to a flimsy build.
  7. Your hair dryer has to support dual voltage to function with a 230 volt Swazi power outlet.
  8. Try looking for a lighter travel hair dryer that is durable enough to survive being transported in luggage, dryers with folding handles mean more space.
  9. A cool shot button on modern hair dryers can rapidly cool down hair after drying which will hold a style but this feature is missing in cheaper models.
Which is the best compact travel hair dryer?

Berta Folding Hair Dryer with bundled concentrator

Which is the best compact travel hair dryer?

  • With a powerful two speed 1875 watt motor and removable filter the Conair Compact Styler includes a cool shot setting which can will rapidly cool hair down.
  • The Berta Folding Hair Dryer also has cool shot, a ceramic tourmaline outlet for negative ions resulting in safer and quicker drying, two heat settings, a longer 1.8 metre electric power cord and comes with a concentrator.

Each model folds, includes an ALCI plug which prevents power overloads and has dual voltage making both perfect for travel to Swaziland in carry on luggage when plugged into a power adapter for a Swazi power outlet.  [6] [6] [7] [AD]

What is the best blow dryer for thick and curly hair?

Thick hair can take longer to dry and could be difficult to dry without the hair turning frizzy, so the best option for thick hair is an ionic hair dryer, if the hair is curly we suggest a diffuser as both are suitable to manage and dry hair smoothly. Both an Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer or the X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic will be suitable because of their powerful motors, ionic outlets and bundled diffusers, avoid buying a hair dryer with a motor less powerful than 1600 watts as this won't be strong enough.  [8] [9] [AD]

What is the smallest folding dual voltage hair dryer?

BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium with folding handle and concentrator

What is the smallest folding dual voltage hair dryer?

  • If you want to dry fine or thin hair whilst on the go the ceramic 1200 watt Conair MiniPRO is the best value small ionic blow dryer available on the market.
  • For a folding dryer which is compact enough to carry in a purse then a 10.5 ounce BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium is recommend. With a removable filter and tourmaline outlet that emits infrared heat for a shiny finish this dryer has options which are typically found with bulkier blow dryers.

Both of these are dual voltage mini hair dryers and when used along with a suitable plug adapter for a Swazi power outlet they will work in Swaziland folding conveniently making them small enough to be carried around during the day for drying on the go. Both have a 1.5 metre electric power cord, a two speed motor and include a concentrator.  [10] [10] [11] [AD]

What is the best dual voltage ionic hair dryer with diffuser?

Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer with bundled diffuser

What is the best dual voltage ionic hair dryer with diffuser?

  • The X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic is a 1600 watt travel hair dryer with a 1.65 metre electric power cable, it is supplied with a tourmaline diffuser however lacks a cool shot button.
  • The Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer includes a lengthy 1.82 metre electric power cord for greater freedom when styling with an ALCI safety plug and a removable filter for cleaning. It also utilises a strong 1875 watt motor including a cool shot feature making it more suited for styling thicker hair.

Both ionic hair dryers feature both diffuser and concentrator attachments with powerful motors to make them the best hair dryers suitable for thick hair. Both only require a cheap power adapter for Swaziland to work with a Swazi power outlet, they are lightweight and will fold up to pack into carry-on luggage.  [8] [9] [9] [AD]

Best hair dryers for travel

What is the best hair dryer to buy for Swaziland?

Conair
MiniPRO
This compact hair dryer incorporates a folding handle, two heat settings, and two speed settings, aiming to accommodate various hair types. The long power cord and dual voltage make it convenient for travellers.
BaByliss
PRO
https://www.amazon.com/BaBylissPRO-Titanium-Bambino-Compact-Dryer/dp/B0068SZ7UG?crid=2DINB36JPL4Y8&keywords=BaBylissPRO+Nano+Titanium+Travel&qid=1695049039&s=beauty&sprefix=babylisspro+nano+titanium+travel%2Cbeauty%2C159&sr=1-8&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=e8c6666d23ce4b94dacd3eebe6ee2e52&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Conair
Compact
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HB2ZRNJ?&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=0d63bbe1932e337ac284cff97127f87f&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Berta
Folding
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XWV3K4L?&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=8917b03d1d32d516d8d91e80a2c879c3&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
X5
Superlite
https://www.amazon.com/Revlon-Technolgy-Convenience-Worldwide-Included/dp/B00M8BDQXW?dchild=1&keywords=X5+Superlite+1600W+Dual+Voltage+Ceramic+Ionic+Travel+Dryer&qid=1624444396&sr=8-3&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=1d77c57773d2348052a5461909efc53b&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Hot Tools
1044
https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Tools-Professional-Ht1044-Folding/dp/B003A1DWRO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1506767312&sr=1-1&keywords=Hot+Tools+Professional+Ht1044+Ionic+1875+Watt+Travel+Dryer+with+Folding+Handle+and+Dual+Votage&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnections-20&linkId=e4d6cd8511a014951b16d43f9ec3a809
Class Mini Compact Compact with diffuser
Works in Swaziland Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Works in US Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Dual voltage Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Watts 1200 1000 1875 1875 1600 1875
Folds Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Ceramic Yes Yes Yes Yes
Ionic Yes Yes Yes Yes
Tourmaline Yes Yes Yes
Infrared Yes
Speed settings 2 2 2 2 2 2
Heat settings 1 1 1 2 1 1
Cool shot Yes Yes Yes
Removable filter Yes Yes
Concentrator Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Diffuser Yes Yes
ALCI safety plug Yes Yes Yes Yes
Cord length 1.52m 1.52m 1.52m 1.8m 1.65m 1.82m
Color
Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy

Original testing and suitability of hair dryer models was compiled 2017, subsequent updates performed monthly - last updated September 2023.

Swaziland power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Swaziland?

The normal voltage used in Swaziland is 230 volts.

What frequency is used in Swaziland?

The frequency found in a Swazi power outlet is 50Hz. [12]

Which plug adapter do you need to bring to use a hair dryer in Swaziland?

Type M power outlet

Which plug adapter do you need to bring to use a hair dryer in Swaziland?

The type of power outlet used in Swaziland is type M. The wall socket (technically called a type M power outlet) looks like three round holes forming a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground. A recommended plug adapter to bring for using a 230 volt hair dryer in Swaziland is a Type M plug adapter; read the step-by-step guide below for full details of using a hair dryer in Swaziland with a plug adapter. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage hair dryer you will need to see if you also need to use a power converter.  [4] [13] [AD]

Dual voltage hair dryers

How should you switch the voltage on a dual voltage travel hair dryer?

  1. Most models of dual voltage hair dryers have some type of switch or dial which selects between 2 voltages although some models can automatically detect the voltage used in Swaziland.
  2. The dial or switch needs either a screwdriver or coin to set the dryer to the right voltage between the 220v-240v range or the 110v-120v range.
  3. As well as switching this it is worth jotting down the 2 switch positions as the painted numbers are prone to fading on certain models of hair dryer.

How do I use my dual voltage hair dryer in Swaziland?

  1. Ensure that you are using a dual voltage hair dryer or it works with a 230 volt power outlet.
  2. If the hair dryer is dual voltage then ensure it is set to operate within the 220-240 volt range. This is usually found on the base or handle of the hair dryer and requires a screwdriver or coin to switch.
  3. Plug your dryer into the correct power adapter for Swaziland and also plug in the power adapter into the Swazi power outlet.
  4. It's normal for most travel hair dryer models operating in the 220-240v range to only work safely on a low speed setting; but the speed and temperature should be sufficient enough for drying hair. We recommend checking the hair dryer guidelines to see if this rule is appropriate for your model of hair dryer to stop the risk of overheating.
  5. The dryer is now ready to be used with a Swazi power outlet.
Is my hair dryer dual voltage?

Dual voltage hair dryer

Is my hair dryer dual voltage?

A simple method to tell if your hair dryer supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or plug of the hair dryer. The location will depend on the make or model of your hair dryer and should also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage hair dryers can change automatically, however other hair dryers will have a button which allows you to toggle between different voltage ranges.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Swaziland then you should be able to use your hair dryer with a Swazi power outlet.
  • Single voltage could also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 230 volts used in a Swazi power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair dryer then you can use it in Swaziland.
  • Dual voltage will say a larger voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair dryer will be capable of being used in Swaziland or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Swaziland with a hair dryer

Do hotel rooms in Swaziland have hair dryers?

Hotel hair dryer

Do hotel rooms in Swaziland have hair dryers?

Depending on the individual hotel and class of the accommodation a hair dryer might be available in the hotel room, either packed in a bedroom drawer, wardrobe or cupboard, found on a bathroom wall or could be of a slower air hose variety.

When staying in budget hotels, hostels and motels a shared hair dryer might be available at reception but might involve waiting in turn for other guests. If in doubt about the hotel hairdryer availability then either call ahead to your hotel in Swaziland or look on the hotel web site to find out what type of hairdryer is available for guests. Hair dryers in hotels are usable but normally basic models lacking a diffuser, notorious for low heat and providing slower air speeds. For those worried about hygiene should check for the burnt hair from other guests on a communal hair dryer as the hotel room service might not have removed it when cleaning the room.

Remember, if you are in doubt either call ahead to your hotel in Swaziland or bring a suitable dual voltage travel hair dryer [2].  [2] [AD]

Is a hairdryer allowed onboard a flight to Swaziland?

Folding travel hair dryer with cord wrapped for carry on

Is a hairdryer allowed onboard a flight to Swaziland?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair dryers there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered hair dryer in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline who is flying you to Swaziland will allow blow dryers onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Packing the hair dryer in a dedicated heat resistant protective travel hair dryer case leaves it easily accessible by airport security, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around electronic items). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive blow dryers in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against drops and knocks during transit.   [14] [15] [16] [AD]

Is it safer to bring a domestic blow dryer or a travel hair dryer to Swaziland?

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage travel hair dryer instead of bringing your existing domestic blow dryer to Swaziland as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Swazi power outlet (provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Swaziland). Some types of travel hair dryer will typically feature a collapsible handle and are much lighter which will help reduce the size and weight in travellers luggage compared to bringing a domestic blow dryer.

Note that packing your expensive domestic blow dryer might place it at risk because of potential damage or loss in your suitcase by an airport baggage handler in Swaziland. The inconvenience and costs involved in repairing an expensive specialised domestic hair dryer in Swaziland could outweigh the cost of purchasing a cheaper dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] and a suitable travel hair dryer case before setting off .  [15] [AD]

Power converters for Swaziland

What is the difference between a power converter and a plug adapter?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a power converter and a plug adapter?

An expensive and heavy power converter will convert a 230 volt Swazi power outlet to work with a non-230 volt hair dryer, whereas a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to slot into a power outlet found in Swaziland. [5] [AD]

Do I need a voltage converter to use my hair dryer in Swaziland?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a hair dryer using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in Swaziland. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to bring their existing domestic hair dryer, however it can be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel hair dryer [2]. Also worth noting, a power converter is noticeably bulkier and heavier than a travel hair dryer making a power converter less suited for packing. [5] [AD]

How to use a hair dryer in Swaziland using a type M power adapter

How to use a hair dryer in Swaziland using a Type M travel charger.

  1. Make sure that the hair dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply; but if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could damage your hair dryer, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage blow dryers might typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the hair dryer ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts, consult the manufacturers instructions for more information on where this switch is.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type M plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet used in Swaziland won't accomodate the plug shape on your hair dryer. This plug adapter helps adapt plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet found in Swaziland by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair dryer to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type M plug adapter and inserting it in the wall outlet. You can identify the power supply by the 3 large holes forming a triangular configuration.
  4. Plug in your hair dryer into the Type M plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Swazi power outlet. You can now turn on your hair dryer in Swaziland. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in Swaziland using a type M power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Swazi Wikipedia web page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair dryer
  3. iec.ch - Type M power outlet
  4. Type M plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type M travel adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in African countries like South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Swaziland, as well as in parts of India..
  5. Power converter - Heavy-duty power converters are designed to convert voltage levels between different electrical standards, shifting between 110V/120V and 220V/240V with both 50Hz and 60Hz, often incorporating safety features such as fuse protection and circuit breakers..
  6. Berta 1875W Folding Hair Dryer Dual Voltage Blow Dryer Negative Ions Travel Dryer - This hair dryer features two speed and heat settings, dual-voltage and a foldable handle whilst equipped with an ALCI plug to help prevent electric shock..
  7. Conair 1875 Watt Compact Folding Handle Hair Dryer with Dual Voltage - This travel-ready hair dryer uses a high 1875-watt motor for efficient and rapid hair drying. Smart voltage technology adjusts to foreign voltage, maintaining heat and speed settings for convenience..
  8. X5 Superlite 1600W Dual Voltage Ceramic Ionic Travel Dryer - This hair dryer boasts a 1600-watt motor intended for efficient hair drying. The long 1.65-meter cable provides an extra layer of convenience for users who require mobility during use..
  9. Hot Tools Professional Ht1044 Ionic 1875 Watt Travel Dryer with Folding Handle and Dual Voltage - The appliance integrates a 1875-watt motor, targeting quick and effective hair drying. The folding handle is intended for easier storage and transport..
  10. BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium Travel Dryer - With dual heat and speed settings, the device aims to cater to a variety of hair types. Its dual voltage capability, folding handle and lightweight design make it suited for international travel..
  11. Conair MiniPRO Folding Handle Tourmaline Ceramic Styler - This compact hair dryer incorporates a folding handle, two heat settings, and two speed settings, aiming to accommodate various hair types. The long power cord and dual voltage make it convenient for travellers..
  12. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  13. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  14. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair dryers -
  15. Hard case for travel hair dryer - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a hair dryer safely during travel in luggage.
  16. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.